Spirit of Legend benefited from a well judged Rachael Blackmore ride to get up late to win the opening Kilberry Pub & Kitchen Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

For much of this contest, it looked as though Kilbree Warrior had stolen a march on her rivals, as the Oliver McKiernan-trained mare built up a huge lead under Richie Condon. Although her jockey became more animated approaching the third last flight, he was back on the bridle soon after and the race looked in safe keeping.

However, on the run to the last, their lead diminished quickly as both the eventual winner Spirit of Legend and third placed Hartur D'arc closed the gap. Both horses got to Kilbree Warrior over 100 yards out, with Blackmore and Spirit of Legend going on to win snugly.

To her credit, Kilbree Warrior found plenty under Condon, staying on again to reclaim second from Hartur D'arc.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "He's a lovely horse, he ran very well in a bumper last year.

"Kevin and Anna Ross sourced him for Chris (Jones) and they really liked him at one of the point-to-points last year.

"He has always done things nicely and I'm delighted.

"He really stayed at it. He'd be green so he would hopefully improve a bit as well. He jumps and travels well.

"I think so (get a bit further). We'll look at a winners' race."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham